Spanish, Culture, Adventures, and a little Diarrhea: My WONDERFUL time in Guanajuato Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was great. Almost too easy. There wasn't too much work, but I think it was better that way. It let us go out into Guanajuato and practice and listen for what we just learned in class. Latin American Literature was by far the hardest but most rewarding class I took in Guanajuato. It was difficult to read all the stories, but I found them enjoyable and my Spanish improved.

On-site administration of your program

Very Friendly and helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My neighbor hood was great. It was friendly and nice. My host mom's grandsons who were about my age didn't really talk to me, but I had a great time with the other younger grandchildren. I enjoyed it. My host parents were very friendly and inviting.

Food was fantastic and I was able to stay vegetarian (for the most part), even though my host mom would tease me that I was too skinny and that I was missing out by eating meat and spicy foods. It took about a week and a half for my stomach to get used to the food however. I liked the taste, but I think I had diarrhea for the first week and a half. I really should have said something to my host mom, but for some reason I didn't. Maybe I was too shy or I didn't want to insult her cooking at all, because it really was great. The portion size for breakfast may have been a bit too big, but then again we didn't eat until 3:00. I would definitely recommend telling host parents about queasiness or diarrhea, because they have had plenty other students before. They will give you white bread, rice, and bananas, and you will feel better sooner and have a better experience. Diarrhea is ok, ask for smaller meals! You'll feel better

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For the most part it was good. The only thing I was a bit disappoint with was that all the other American students would only speak to me in English. I was only there for a month and wanted to get as much Spanish as I could, so it was a bit annoying that they spoke to me in English. They were nice and I like them all and I'm still friends with them, but I wish they had spoken more Spanish. My favorite experience was sitting with my two of my friends, one Mexican, one Texan who arrived in Mexico without knowing Spanish. We would all help each other learn either English or Spanish.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

For health, as I said earler, I wish I had told my host mom I wasn't feeling great and had diarrhea instead of eating a meal and running to the bathroom. Saftey- Guanajuato is Safe, Friendly, pretty. The surrounding towns were a bit more sketchy, and I was glad I was in Guanajuato and not Leon or Celeya. I had no trouble.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family